Payment
Students can view the amount of their bills on myHCC, or on their registration statement (obtain a copy in person from the cashier's office, welcome center, or the office of records, registration, and veterans' affairs). Students are responsible for the following policies regarding payments:
- Responsible Party –Students are the responsible party when it comes to their bills and eligibility for refunds. If, for any reason, a parent, guardian, employer, sponsor or other party fails to pay or does not honor the check, credit card payment, purchase order, or otherwise fails to meet a financial obligation to the college on behalf of a student, the student will be held responsible for those financial obligations.
- Tuition, fees, and other payments made by an insufficient funds check may result in cancellation of classes during the registration period as well as a $25 insufficient funds check fee.
- Outstanding Balance –Students are responsible for any outstanding balance not covered by financial aid, scholarships, loans, or other means. Any balance must be paid by payment deadlines or by using the appropriate payment plan (i.e., Tuition Payment Plan, Veterans Deferred Payment Plan). You may pay the balance you are responsible for through one of the following methods:
- In person at the cashier’s office (RCF-200A)–The cashier’s office accepts all forms of payment. This office also has a drop box where students can submit payments.
- Online –Pay online using myHCC (credit card only)
- By Mail –Mail payments made by credit card, check, or money order to the following mailing address: Cashier’s Office, Howard Community College, 10901 Little Patuxent Parkway, Columbia, MD 21044.
- Officially dropping classes –Students are responsible for officially dropping classes they have decided not to take. While the college may drop students who have not paid their tuition, this is not intended to replace the student-initiated official drop process. Students who rely upon the college to drop them for nonpayment do so at their own risk. Stopping payment, credit card charges or using other such means does not invalidate the financial obligation owed to the college for unpaid balances. An official drop within the refund period is a student’s only assurance of release from some or all of the financial obligation incurred by registering.
- Failure to attend –Students who register but never attend a class or classes remain responsible for their financial obligations for the seats taken by registering. Likewise, students who stop attending, including those who officially withdraw, will be held responsible for any remaining balance owed to the college.
- Changes to a course load (dropping, adding, withdrawals, non-attendance, unofficial withdrawals, etc.) can have a significant impact on a student’s financial aid awards, veterans benefits, tuition assistance and F1 visa status. Applicants and recipients of federal, state, and institutional awards are obligated to carefully read and review the catalog’s financial aid section. Once a student’s financial aid has been awarded, it is essential they consult financial aid services regarding any changes in enrollment status.
- Financial Aid–Financial aid policies and procedures are described in detail in the Financial Aid section.
Students are strongly urged to keep receipts of all registration and payment transactions. Financial aid recipients should also keep bookstore receipts. The consequences of not fulfilling financial obligations to the college include, but are not limited to, sending the student’s account to collections, withholding college transcripts, diplomas and other earned awards, and denial of enrollment for subsequent semesters.